Minutes - Council Work Session - 05/01/2007

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$21,000 under this process, and in 2006 took in $11,000. In 2006 Ramsey wrote 1,344 motor vehicle violations, but of those about 500 would not be eligible currently or under the proposed state law currently being introduced. The legislation that is being considered would allow cities the authority to utilize administrative fees for speeding violations of 10 mph and under, which the City does not write many tickets for. Councilmember Dehen stated this process has full support of the League of Minnesota Cities. Their argument is that if there is a $40 ticket that is run through the court system there will be a County imposed surcharge and law library fee of about $75, which would bring that ticket up to $115. Of that amount the City recaptures $14 according to the League or $28 according to Chief Way. Police Chief Way explained the City receives 2/3 of the ticket price. The $14 provided by the League of Minnesota Cities was based on cities that do not have their own attorney. Councilmember Dehen stated $14 or $28 out of a $115 ticket is minimal. The League argued in favor of this because the district courts are clogged, the surcharges the State is imposing are excessive, and there is a lack of clarity from the State as far as what to do. The League also argued that this allows officers to cite administratively for what otherwise would be a warning. In other words, a speeder in the City of Ramsey could receive an administrative penalty of perhaps $100, and would be able to avoid the violation going onto their driving record. The administrative penalty ticket would include a statement that the administrative penalty could be contested through the court system. Councilmember Strommen noted the League of Minnesota Cities' position is that this process would be used where previously a warning would have been issued. She questioned how the administrative penalty would alleviate the number of cases going through court or on drivers' records, as warnings would not go on a driving record or through the court system either. There was discussion of the limits of the proposed state legislation. Police Chief Way advised the proposed legislation limits the use of the administrative fine to traffic violations up to 10 mph. He stated there are very few times that minor traffic violations go to court. The vast majority of cases would not be allowed for administrative fines under the proposed legislation. Councilmember Dehen stated it should be known to Council that Chief Way is opposed to the administrative fines. Police Chief Way stated he is opposed to the concept; he does not think it is fair. If a driver were to get a ticket in Elk River it would go on their record, but a ticket in Ramsey would not under this process. Insurance companies insure risk, and they feel people that get speeding tickets are involved in more accidents. Chief Way stated most of the accidents in the City of Ramsey can be attributed to speed. Councilmember Look indicated there are national studies that show this is not the case. City Council Work Session / May 1, 2007 Page 9 of 16